When You Suspect a Stroke
No adsLast updated: June 2026
A stroke is a 112 / 108 emergency. Call immediately — every minute of delay means more brain damage. Don't wait to "see if it passes."
Use the FAST test
- F — Face: Ask them to smile. Does one side droop?
- A — Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down or can't lift?
- S — Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is it slurred or jumbled?
- T — Time: If any of these are present, it's time to call emergency services now — and note the time symptoms started.
While waiting for the ambulance
- Keep them calm, sitting or lying with head slightly raised.
- Do not give food, drink, or medication — swallowing may be affected.
- Note the exact time symptoms began — this is critical for treatment decisions.
- Stay with them; reassure them; gather their medicines list and ID for the hospital.
Worth Knowing
The time symptoms started decides which treatments are possible — clot-busting treatment has a tight window. "We waited to see if it improved" is the most heartbreaking sentence in stroke care. If FAST is positive, call immediately, even if symptoms seem to be easing.
General information only, not medical advice. In any emergency, call 112 / 108 and follow the dispatcher's instructions.